Overview & Reviews

Kia Motors is a South Korean automaker that's relatively new to the United States. In its early years, Kia largely catered to budget-minded consumers with well-equipped vehicles priced below competing models. More recently, this growing brand has kept value a priority while also emphasizing technology and sportiness.

Founded in Korea in 1944, Kia started as a producer of steel tubing and bicycle parts. The company's name has its roots in the Chinese language, and means "to arise, to come up out of Asia." By the early 1950s, the company had produced Korea's first bicycle; by the latter part of the decade, Kia had branched out into motor scooters, with the rollout of the C100.

The 1960s saw Kia expanding its lineup to include motorcycles and three-wheeled cargo vehicles. Naturally, the next logical step was automobile production, and the company began moving in this direction in the early 1970s. By 1973, Kia had built a facility designed to make its automotive dreams a reality; its Sohari plant held the distinction of being Korea's first fully integrated automobile production facility, and went on to spawn Korea's first internal-combustion gasoline engine. A year later, Kia unveiled the Brisa, Korea's first passenger car. By the end of the decade, Kia's technology was being used to manufacture vehicles like the Peugeot 604 and the Fiat 132.

By the late '80s, Kia's lineup included new models like the Concord, Capital, Potentia and Pride. In 1987, Ford brought the Pride to U.S. shores, rebadging it as the Ford Festiva. Seven years later, Ford dealers got a replacement for the entry-level, subcompact Festiva in the form of another Kia constructed product, the Aspire.

Kia finally began selling vehicles in the U.S. under its own name in the early '90s, trumpeting its presence with the introduction of the compact Sephia. The car's rollout was gradual; in the early days of its production, the Sephia was only available in select Western states. By the mid-'90s, SUVs had emerged as a phenomenally popular and profitable vehicle segment. Kia responded with the 1995 Sportage, a compact SUV. By the end of the '90s, Kia's nationwide rollout was nearly complete.

Financial difficulties in the late '90s prevented Kia from expanding its lineup beyond those two models. Hyundai, South Korea's other major automaker, acquired the company in a merger in 1998.

Kia has been on a major upswing since its purchase by Hyundai, with improvements in build quality, performance and overall refinement. Reliability, previously a weak point, has also improved markedly and consumers' confidence was further bolstered by Kia's substantial warranty program. Today, Kia is on a dramatic upswing and offers a broad lineup of well-built coupes, sedans and crossovers that stand out for their value, performance and sporty styling.

User Reviews:

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  My First NEW CAR!!!! EX with Premium Package. - 2011 Kia Optima
  By amarios - October 2 - 12:43 pm

  March 17, 2011 I bought myself a new car. I have to tell you that Kia has done an excellent job remodling this car, and of course the design and thanked to Audi ex designer. Anyways other than that interior is nice as well as exterior. This car gave me the best bang for my buck. While driving people look at my car I notice and they look back a second time which I love so much because than people are like that is a KIA yes it is and lovin it!!!!

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  Love my KIA - 2009 Kia Sedona
  By nanagale42557 - October 1 - 10:36 am

  2009 KIA was my first brand new van. Had a 2003 KIA to trade in. I love it. Had some problems with tires being low- call Road assistance- responded quickly. Took in for service- they found the problem. If I could change anything- I would change the Headrest. The ones in back seat are very uncomfortable. If you raise them up the driver cannot see from rear view mirror. Would love to see darker blue. I have the glacier blue. We went to Tennessee several times in it and use it for going to and from work. Love the foot rest -great when traveling long distances. Brakes and rotors need changing- you replace both when brakes wear out. But I love it.

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  one year later - 2004 Kia Sorento
  By BDESMP - October 1 - 6:00 am

  Bought it after reading reviews and I need a true 4 wheel drive for snow and mud. Really like the ride, and support from KIA.

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  Great car - 2006 Kia Spectra
  By Coty2000 - October 1 - 3:33 am

  Travel 50 miles each way with this roller skate. Absolutely reliable! Not a thing wrong in 3 years and 72,000. Change the oil 3500 and put gas in it and away you go. Have a 2994 sorento as well. Another great car. 82k and not a thing wrong, ever. Also have a 2006 Audi a4. Forgetaboutit! Never again!

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  LOVE my S-O-U-L! Its wonderSOUL! - 2013 Kia Soul
  By mazda5_4me - September 30 - 11:44 pm

  I have had many new cars and trucks over the years, and by far I was the most impressed by the 2013 KIA Soul Exclaim I bought recently. The Exclaim is the top of the line Soul, but even the Base Soul is well loaded and an excellant value. But the Soul is more about value than "just" being inexpensive. I love the standard moon roof on a warn sunny day! It has remarkable quality...perfect paint, very well assembled, top crash test scores, all the safety equipment available, great looking vehicle that stands out compared to the common vanilla Corolla/Civics that you see everywhere. And the 100,000 mile 10 year warranty is just icing on the cake!

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  Kia Spectra-Thumbs Up! - 2008 Kia Spectra
  By KiaFan - September 30 - 12:50 am

  I drove my Kia Spectra EX Automatic over 3700 miles in Western Canada and USA after buying one month before. Excellent comfort, cruise control was flawless, held the road well, achieved average of 35 mpg (39 in one stretch), great brakes. Plenty adequate pickup on entering a freeway. Very quiet engine at highway speed of 70 or at idle (wondered if in was running while waiting at a stop sign). The finish and fit is excellent. The price was right - at least $3000 less than a Corolla or Civic or Jetta. I also checked it to its sister/brother the Hyundai Elantra... compares well, same engine, nicer interior. Stereo/CD radio very good. Great warranty.

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  Kia - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By cartman1 - September 30 - 12:43 am

  I was not considering the Kia Amanti until I saw it on the road over and over again. Ive had mine for almost 6 months and have driven it from FL to MD. twice. What a joy it is to drive. I have a Mercedes Benz as well, but I enjoy the Kia as much, if not more, on the open road.

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  Definitely Recommend - 2011 Kia Sorento
  By sjf17x - September 29 - 7:19 am

  While I dont understand any of the negative reviews, I guess there are exceptions to everything. After test driving many other manufacturers, we went back to Kia knowing what we were getting. This car is more comfortable than any of the Hondas, Hyundais, Toyota, Ford and Chevys. It drives really smooth, notice absolutely no problems with shifting gears, the interior and dash is extremely functional, lots of room and the extra storage in the back is great. I question some of the other reviews and their problems... I wouldnt base my decision on them to buy this vehicle. And the $19600 out the door (all taxes, tag, ect included) definitely helped, considering it was $28k sticker!

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  Great car - 2003 Kia Spectra
  By huff - September 27 - 12:53 pm

  Simple car, no extras, never have problems. Gets from 30 to 33 highway (automatic). Easy to park. Has fantastic warranty but never have to use it. Unlike American cars no recalls to date!

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  Amazing Car - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Si Yung - September 26 - 10:33 am

  The car is very comfortable, convenient, calm, and efficient. The interior design is so nice that I feel cozy. It is good for family driving. My family really enjoys riding in it.